Professionals
Our Director of Golf, Eric Shillinger, and his professional staff are always available to help players of all levels with their golf game.
To reach the Golf Shop staff, please call (561) 737-4749 or (561) 737-4790.
Eric Shillinger, Director of Golf
Eric Shillinger has been the Director of Golf at Delray Dunes Golf and Country Club since August of 2020. Prior to joining Delray Dunes Eric was the Head Golf Professional at Moselem Springs Golf Club in Fleetwood, Pennsylvania. Eric also served as assistant golf professional at Saucon Valley Country Club in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; Canoe Brook Country Club in Summit, New Jersey; and The Johns Island Club in Vero Beach, Florida. Eric's teaching is based on his study of the fundamental principles of golf, as stated by award-winning instructor to the pros, Jim McLean. Eric studied under Jim and other Top 100 instructors at the Jim McLean Golf Academy at the Miami, Florida Doral Golf Resort and Spa. Eric is a member of the PGA of America and a graduate of Methodist University where he obtained his Business Degree with a concentration in Professional Golf Management. Eric was certified in August of 2016 by the PGA of America in General Management. Eric has served on the board for the Philadelphia PGA as the District 5 Director and Co-Chair of the Membership Committee. Eric has been recognized as a Top 50 U.S. Kids Instructor Honorable Mention for 2010 and 2011. Eric and team were recognized by the South Florida PGA Section as the 2022 Private Merchandisers of the Year. Eric lives in Wellington, FL with his wife Stacy and their Wheaten Terrier Niki.
Nick Vrabic, Golf Professional
Nick Vrabic originally from Terre Haute Indiana, moved to Florida in 2015 to pursue his golfing passion where he started as an Assistant Golf Professional at Quail Ridge Golf and Country Club. Nick has since become the Lead Assistant Professional at Delray Dunes since May of 2019. Nick graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with a Bachelors in Business and Golf Management. Throughout the years, Nick has become an avid PGA member of America and enjoys attending meetings and playing tournaments around the year. Nick lives in Lake Worth Fl with his wife Rachael and their 3 cats Minne, Nala, and Meeko. He enjoys the sunny Florida weather and is a St. Louis Cardinals fanatic. In his spare time, you can catch Nick at a baseball game in Jupiter or Miami.
JENNIFER BARNSLEY, GOLF PROFESSIONAL
Jennifer joined our team in March
of 2023. She is a former LPGA Tour player and a Class A PGA of America and LPGA
Teaching & Club Professional member.
She has a long time relationship with Jim Hardy, Plane Truth Golf
Instruction, and she is Plane Truth Certified.
Jennifer started her teaching
career teaching for world-renowned instructor Hank Haney (Tiger Wood’s former
instructor) in Dallas for twelve years. While working for Haney she was instrumental in the expansion of one of the
best junior golf program in the country, directed the LPGA Girls Golf Club of
Dallas, and was promoted to manager of one of Hank’s five facilities.
In addition to
Haney and Hardy she has worked with other top instructors, Carol Mann (member of the LPGA Hall of Fame) and Mike LaBauve (ranked in the Top 50 Teachers by Golf Digest).
While at Race Brook Country Club,
the PGA Connecticut Section recognized her with the Youth Player Development
Award, and she received the US Kids Golf Top 50 Kids Teacher Award.
She grew up in Philadelphia at
Torresdale-Frankford CC, now the Union League.
Both her father and grandfather were members of Pine Valley GC. She graduated from Marshall University,
recruited to play on the women’s golf team. She was medalist and
runner-up in the Philadelphia Women's Amateur Championship; winning the Mexican
Amateur Championship propelled her to a golf professional career.
ELLEN HARRIS, Golf Shop MerchandiseR
Ellen Harris is a native of Brookline, Ma. At the age of 12 Ellen began taking golf lessons at Blue Hill Country Club in Canton, Ma. She graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in History. Shortly after Ellen married Jay Harris, they started their family in Needham, Ma. They became members of Pinebrook Country Club in Weston, Ma. Ellen became an avid golfer & served on numerous club committees. In 2003, the family relocated to Boynton Beach Florida where Ellen began her merchandising career working for Can Am Sailcraft in Cambridge, Ma. She spent summers teaching windsurfing on Cape Cod & at Can Am's Hyannis retail location. Ellen's next career move was becoming a manufacturer's representative for an active wear/lifestyle brand from Manchester, NH. In 2008, Ellen transitioned back to the retail side, working at The Polo Club, Ballenisles Country Club, Lost City Golf Club, and PGA Tour Superstore in Delray Beach for five years. Ellen is an active member of the Association of Golf Merchandisers as well as serving at the Orlando PGA Merchandise Show as a Channel Leader. Ellen now resides in Delray Beach with her Daughter Jodi, grandsons Hunter & Ryder, one cat & two dogs. Her younger daughter, Aly & Husband Tim & 14- month-old son Asher, live outside of Columbia, SC. Besides playing golf in her free time, during the summer Ellen loves visiting family in the Boston area, Cape Cod, & Nantucket.
Alex Pillar, Seasonal Assistant GOLF PROFESSIONAL
Alex Pillar, originally from Hawley, Pennsylvania, is a recent graduate from Newberry College in South Carolina. Alex played on the golf team and graduated with a bachelor's degree in sports management. Alex twice achieved the honor of academic all American Division II. Alex comes from a golf background as his father John Pillar is the current Director of Golf at Woodloch Springs Country Club in Hawley, PA for 30 plus years. Alex has worked for his Dad and his roles included outside operations, general golf shop duties, junior clinics and camps, and teaching a 6-week program for the PGA Hope Foundation. Alex is currently enrolled in the PGA Associate Program. Alex enjoys competing, watching sports, listening to music and traveling.